

There are a few exceptions, such as a solar magnetic flare.Ī pulse of electromagnetic energy typically comprises many frequencies from very low to some upper limit depending on the source. In general, radiation only acts over long distances, with the magnetic and electric fields acting over short distances. In a typical pulse, either the electric or the magnetic form will dominate. The last two of these, the frequency spectrum and the pulse waveform, are interrelated via the Fourier transform which describes how component waveforms may sum to the observed frequency spectrum.ĮMP energy may be transferred in any of four forms:Īccording to Maxwell's equations, a pulse of electric energy will always be accompanied by a pulse of magnetic energy.


The range or spectrum of frequencies present.The mode of energy transfer (radiated, electric, magnetic or conducted).Its short duration means that it will be spread over a range of frequencies. 2.5 Non-nuclear electromagnetic pulse (NNEMP)Īn electromagnetic pulse is a short surge of electromagnetic energy.2.4 Nuclear electromagnetic pulse (NEMP).is the scenario of war most likely to collapse the functionality of the electrical network of the country. The management of EMP effects is a branch of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) engineering.ĮMP weapons are designed to deliver the damaging effects of a high-energy EMP that will disrupt unprotected infrastructure in the U.S., thus the employment of an EMP weapon against the U.S.

The electromagnetic interference caused by an EMP disrupts communications and is damages electronic equipment at higher levels of energy, an EMP, such as a lightning strike can physically damage objects such as buildings and aircraft. Depending upon the source, the origin of an EMP can be natural or artificial, and can occur as an electromagnetic field, as an electric field, as a magnetic field, or as a conducted electric current. For Earth magnetosphere pulsations, see Magnetic pulsations.Īn electromagnetic pulse ( EMP), also a transient electromagnetic disturbance (TED), is a brief burst of electromagnetic energy. For nuclear EMP weapons, see Nuclear electromagnetic pulse. This article is about the phenomenon in general.
